Pallone Statement on Shooting of Indian Men in Kansas

March 1, 2017

Press Release

Long Branch, NJ — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement on a recent a shooting in Kansas that killed one Indian man and wounded another. The FBI has said that authorities are investigating the shooting as a hate crime.

“I send my deepest condolences to the victims of this senseless tragedy,” said Pallone. “The tragedy of this shooting is heightened by reports that the accused gunmen told the victims to ‘get out of my country’ before opening fire. The Indian-American community makes extraordinary contributions to our nation and this bigotry is completely unacceptable.

“This alleged hate crime comes at a time when many Americans feel that our President has scapegoated and disparaged immigrants and minority populations. It is essential that the Trump administration takes immediate action to combat the growing number of hate crimes throughout our nation and steps back from the toxic rhetoric on immigration and race that is dividing our nation. I will do everything within my power to ensure that authorities in Kansas have the resources necessary to investigate and prosecute this crime.”